Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-06-18
THE MEDALLION.

IOM SlIctI llOt Id HULL w
square. The building was one of the
lairs of Bohemia. My windows, which
reached almost to the floor, opened into
sort of balcony. This balcony stretched
along the entire rear of the house..
Originally it had been separated into as
many parts as there We're rooms, but
gradually these partitions had been torn
away, and the balcony became general
thoroughfare by which we went to each
others rooms, always through the
windows, as there were no doors opening
upon it.
One coal autumn night there was rap
at my window.
My visitor was a newcomer, who was
called Mr.. Harry by everybody. He was
handsome fellow, tall and slim, with
finely cut features and small hands. His
dark complexion, his deep brown eyes,
his blue black curly hair, proclaimed him
Of southern blood. He had small ex-
quisitely shaped black mustache, which
heightened the delicate and refined APP
pearance of his face.
His teeth were dazzlingly white, and
showed as he talked or laughed.
He was rather reserved, l think, but
the coincidence of our needs that night
aroused an accidental sympathy between
us which afterward grew into steadfast
friendship.
He told me that he was working in the
studio of a sculptor.
1--WE only dilettanti sort of talent,
though" he added, ''but then I can
earn my living at it. And, besides,
rather like to model Venuses, Phrynes
and Dianas."
He told me that his immediate family
were all dead; that he had been brought
/. up in luxury, knew all the old aristo-
cratic people Of the city, and that, as the
family estate melted away after his
fathers death, he had to cultivate his
one small talent to get bread. He told
this in the liveliest manner and did not
seem at all affected by the recital of the
struck me as rather strange. puzzled
over it from time to time, as our CONVEX
sation lapsed. At last it flashed upon
me.
.'You arc in love!'' I exclaimed, s'I've
found you out!''
''Perhaps l am" he replied with one
of his happy smiles, which showed his
beautiful white teeth. And then he
started up.
at is almost 2. It's time to go to
bed" He stretched out his hand and
took it.
''What is really your manner" / asked
as he pressed my hand warmly.
"Harry Caprelli. Good nightv'
From this time he was often in my
room and in his. 1t was strangely fur
nished, for number of costly and beau
tiful cllrios presented a striking contrast
to the dingy furniture, which looked as if
it had passed through the hands of sew
eral owners. And there were several rich
and exquisite little things which betrayed
the touch of a lady's hand, such as an
embroidered tobacco pouch, a leather
portfolio with finely worked initials and a
few other such things. On little table
stood an exquisite Sevres vase, and in it
there was always a fresh yellow rose.
One evening Harry rushed into my
room.
do you want to go to the theatre to-
night to hear the new play?"
That was precisely what did want to
do, but had thought it impossible. because
Of the low state Of my finances.
"Why do you ask such question:" 1
replied.
"Wen, get ready. Some one has sent
me couple of parquet seats.
We were soon off. In one of the boxes
recognized Miss Harpleigh, who had
been pointed out to me the year before.
She resided in Washington, but usually
spent part of the season in New York.
She was wonderfully beautiful, and
seemed to be very gracious and charm
ing
watched her opera glasses follow the
rows Of parquet seats back and forth.
She was evidently searching for some
one. Suddenly as the glass pointed
toward the spot where we sat it stopped
she appeared to have found the person
she was searching for. I looked about
at Harry. His eyes were fixed on the
stage, 1t was impossible that she was
gazing at the burly broker on the other
side Of me. I blushed, as an instant
flush of vanity suggested the idea that I
was the object of her attention. Soon
saw her take a yellow rose from the
bouquet she carried and slowly raise it to
her lips. Involuntarily l thought of
Harry's vase, and turned toward him
Questioningly.
He quickly raised his eyes toward the
galleries and Intellectually tried to appear
as if he had noticed the questioning look
/ gave him. But the lady still held the
glass pointed toward us and pressed the
yellow rose to her lips. noticed the
gentleman standing back of her bend a
trifle forward and follow the line of her
vision. A slight scowl spread over his
features. He evidently recognized the
person she was looking at, and felt vim
dictiye toward him. He leaned further
forward and said something to the lady.
She started, dropped the rose, and let the
glass fall into her lap. She sat still a
moment, then shrugged her shoulders
slightly, and turned to talk with those
next her. She did not again look down
at the parquet.
After the curtain came down for the
first time spoke to Harry in an Indifferent
way of Miss Harpleigh and the gentle
man who paid her SO much attention,
asked him If he knew who the man was?
t.Yes!" he said, with fierce sort of
10. DlCNItys4 AhOW lAiIy llt Is WdltCA
Herrick, and / should be sorry for the
woman who was attracted by him. He
was once the betrothed of my sister. ;"
He seemed disinclined to say any more
end did not urge him.
W. had gone to the smoking room
after the act. I went over to speak tc
several persons of my acquaintance and
when the bell rang went back to my seat.
Harry did not return and saw no more
OF him that evening. felt strange and
uneasy, as his sudden departure was in
applicable.
When l reached home, did not feel
like going to bed, and SO as usual sat
down to my writing. From time to time
! got up and walked back and forth,
searching for the right word or express